Hariyali Express Indian Cuisine & Bar — Restaurant in Vancouver

I like the food here and have had takeout from here multiple times. However today I had a slightly frustrating experience that means I am less likely to come back. I had ordered the same dish for pickup that I had ordered about a week ago. Before picking up I realized that while with my previous order I had been asked whether I wanted complementary rice or naan, I hadn't been offered this this time, and thus had no rice in my order. When I asked the employee at the counter about this he explained that free rice or naan are offered when ordering through DoorDash (and maybe other services), but not through the restaurant's own web page. Apparently when ordering through their web page I could have had a 30% discount if I had known where to look. Despite hinting that I would really appreciate if he could throw in some free rice for my meal, he made me pay for the rice separately. He was super friendly but the basic message was "Sorry, you lost the game of ordering correctly today, next time you'll know". It is not a huge deal, and I am not saying I won't ever be back. But it did make me feel not great and will mean that this restaurant likely won't be part of my regular rotation going forward. So if you are a customer, make sure you compare the promotions when ordering here through different services. And if you are the owner, I would recommend empowering your employees to be generous with customers, because happy customers will make you more $$$ in the long run than the extra 4$ for a little...

Harilayli Express is an East Van / Commercial Drive Indian food GEM of a place!

I used to think that great Indian food could only be found in Surrey or at the very least, Akbar’s Own (on W Broadway at Cypress) or Taste of India (on Robson at Bute).

But I was mistaken.

Haritalı Express is AWESOME and compared to the two aforementioned alternatives, cheaper. Go here if you love Indian food!

The spice level was generous. The setting is quiet & plush & comfy. The service is quick.

I got the chicken chettinad. Wonderful! Expertly powerful flavour! You need to order rice / naan separately. With other places such items are also a separate order but also more expensive & not-as-generous (well, at the least the rice is; I’ll have to check out the naan during my next visit). Just the chicken chettinad & basmati rice and I was stuffed! And I’m a big eater so that’s saying something!

But while the service is quick, those who are sticklers for friendly staff might be put off. I wasn’t. All I wanted was great food and I got it. I would describe the staff demeanour as stoical: Not friendly but also not rude. What appeared to be the head honcho there didn’t crack even the slightest smile but he was always attentive & polite. And when I went, there’s was only one server who greeted me who was equally stoical. But personally, I didn’t mind one bit.

I’m going there...

There are plenty of vegetarian options that usually happens at Indian restaurants but also plenty of vegan options and non-dairy options.

Chairs were comfy, and the interior was a vibe.

We ordered the "Veggie Plater", and it came with samosa, aloo tiki, crispy veggies, and pannar pakora. Everything was tasty, and sauces that came with paired well together

We got complimentary chips/crackers, not sure what they were.

Also had drinks they have indian cocktails.

We had the "malbar coast" and the "sweet & Sour Tamrinrd". Both were really great.

the "Malabar Coast" being a sweet summer drink like mango pinnacolda.

The "Sweet & Sour Tamrinrd" is a boozy rum old fashion yet sour from tamarind.

We then had a "kashmiri Naan" that had fruits nuts and coconuts in it. I didn't know they made sweet naans, but we were very glad, it somewhat sweet, almost like a dessert.

we also had "tandoori Momos" for first-time well momos in general for the first time momos are like dumplings but tandoori ones have a slightly harder shell.

We had both dishes with their yogurt and various sauces.

Then we had "Gulab Jamun" for dessert, That was nice after the meal they gave to us for free, so thank you

Will...